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News

Version Master web site

From a press release: "Symmetry Software announces a new website designed to help Macintosh users keep track of the latest versions of software. The Version Master web site currently lists more than 25,500 product titles from over 40 countries." This web site joins the Version Master application.

Week-end Updates

a. Aladdin's Spring Cleaning 1.0.1 update is now online.

b. NetFinder 1.1 is out. It contains numerous bug-fixes.

c. Apple's PB 3400 AT Commands file is available (see previous note for more info).

d. Though not yet formally announced on Apple's web site, several other web sites have posted a link to OpenDoc 1.2. Warning: Nisus reports that current versions of Nisus Writer are not compatible with OpenDoc 1.2.

GoMac conflicts

Regarding the new GoMac utility:

a. David Inman writes: "With GoMac installed, when you open newsgroups that have more articles than can be displayed on a window, the newsgroup window opens full size but only 5 lines of articles are displayed..." David contacted Proteon (the creators of GoMac) and received the following reply: "We are aware of the conflict between GoMac and NewsWatcher. It will be fixed in the next version. Unfortunately, there is no work-around at this time, though you might try turning on Auto-hide as it will help sometimes."

b. Another reader claimed that … Read more

Power Mac 9500s may freeze after processor upgrade

Robert J Moriarty (of MacCPU) writes: "We've just discovered a problem with certain 9500 motherboards when a 180MHz daughtercard or faster is installed and all the memory is interleaved. With the memory interleaved some of these machines will freeze during the memory test during booting. The computer will either require multiple restarts to function or not start at all. The problem exists with either Apple CPUs or third-party daughtercards. A possible work-around is to not interleave the memory. The problem is caused by a timing problem with the interleaved memory when CPU speed goes over 180MHz."

TechTool false report of System file damage on Power Mac 6500

MicroMat has acknowledged a problem with false reports of System file corruption with TechTool 1.1.3 running on a Power Mac 6500. (Thanks, Larry Yarak.)

Update: Based on further reader reports, TechTool may have this problem with all the latest models of Mac. I have now gotten reports of this problem with the 3400, 7300 and the 9600.

Resolving SAM 4.5.1 installation problems: Symantec replies

Lee Gummerman (of Symantec) graciously replied to my request for information on the problems installing the SAM 4.5.1 Update:

"I think your recent update covers some essential points but. after talking to our support people, I wanted to pass on some other information.

First, you were essentially correct about the 3 versions of the patcher and their correct use. One thing to note is that the Fat patch can be universally applied to any version, the resulting 4.5.1 version being Fat regardless of the original 4.5 version (Fat, 68K or PPC). Unless the user … Read more

Microsoft wants you (to take a survey)!

I don't know whether to be pleased that Microsoft appears to have renewed interest in developing the Mac versions of their software or dismayed that (after all these years) they admit to needing help just understanding what Mac users want. In any case, Microsoft has a web page where they are conducting a survey of Mac users. They state:

"Microsoft is committed to making great products for the Macintosh that address the unique needs of the Macintosh user. Your feedback on this survey will help us better understand the characteristics Mac users look for in the software they … Read more

Apple takeover bid coming?

A week would not be complete without yet another (potential) major development affecting Apple's future. This time it's talk that Larry Ellison, of Oracle (and a friend of Steve Jobs), may attempt to organize a one billion dollar takeover of Apple. Ellison claims his motive is to "save" Apple and that he won't make a final decision for at least a few weeks, while he tries to assess the reaction to and support for his "trial balloon." Apple CEO, Gil Amelio, dismissed the idea as "nonsense."

The original story appeared in … Read more

Sad Macs 3 special offer to end

As of April 7, I will be (at least temporarily) suspending the offer to mail out autographed copies of the new third edition of Sad Macs. I may resume it again later. But for now, if you were planning on taking advantage of this offer, please do so before the April 7 deadline.

Of course, you can still purchase the book from Amazon.com Books or get it from your local bookstore.